Monthly Archives: December 2016

The Horner APG XL4 all in one controller through the Ethernet port can set up a HTTP server. This HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) server can be used for distributed and controlled information presented to and from the controller to the network. The server can have security for the information presented. We use HTML (Hypertext Mark-up Language) on the server to create this Client / Server communication. Using the program on the process tank application we created previously, we will be controlling and displaying information to the network. A web browser on a computer, tablet, smart tv, or phone can be used to view and control this information in our Horner APG XL4 controller. Continue Reading!

The Horner APG XL4 all in one controller through the Ethernet port can set up a FTP server. This FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server can be used to move files from the controller to the network. The server can have different security for reading and writing the files. We will use the program on the process tank to move the recipe file and report files to another location on the network. The command line prompt, automated batch file, windows explorer and a free windows FTP client software will be used. Continue Reading!

The Horner APG XL4 all in one controller has several different ports for communications. We have both serial and Ethernet type ports that can be used for many different protocols. These protocols can be downloaded from the Horner APG website and transferred into the controller. We will be looking at Modbus RTU protocol. Using the serial RS485 port on the XL4 we will communicate to a Solo process temperature controller. We will read the process value (PV) into the Horner APG XL4 controller and write the set value (SV) back into the process temperature controller. This is all accomplished without any ladder logic in the PLC. The Horner APG XL4 is one of the easiest networks to set up. Continue Reading!

The Horner APG XL4 all in one controller has a feature to generate text reports. These reports can consist of text and data from memory locations in the controller. Reports can be printed using a serial interface printer through any of the serial ports of the unit or can be saved on the removable micro SD media card attached to the device. We will be taking our process mixing tank and generating a report that will show when the batch started, filled the tank and when the batch was finished emptying. This report will be saved on the removable micro SD media card attached to the unit. Continue Reading!